New to the forum just got started on a major resto

[rykersdad1]

I have a 1985 Bayliner Capri 1950 bowrider with the omc stringer with a gm 5.0 (305ci) I am doing a full make over and some mechanic work. i have been surfing the web about all day and finally found you guys. THANK GOD!!! I have had a few questions that i have already answered by reading countless threads but i still have one or two for you guys.

First and i am sure this is covered somewhere but i could not find it and kinda feel like an idiot but, where do i get this pour-able foam? I honestly thought i was just going to use great stuff in that comes in an aerosol can.

Also in what ways is the foam structural in the capri?

I plan to eliminate the lounge seats and go with two captains chairs for the sake of opening up some space. in doing this i am nervous about what kind of structual integrity the large boxes that they sat on had on the hull? mainly the side walls.

one more thing pressure treated or or not treated plywood?

Thanks so much for your help i will be posting some pics in the next couple days to show what i am working with and my progress.

 

[Trooper82]

Re: New to the forum just got started on a major resto

Welcome to iboats...you found the right place to get some good advice..I'll leave that for the pros ..but I do k ow...no PT wood... the 2 part pour in foam can be purchased several places... a lot here use uscomposites.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: New to the forum just got started on a major resto

A lot depends on your location, as to where the best place to get your supplies will be. You can use Treated Plywood but...It take a LONG time for it to dry from the factory and the chemicals used can possibly affect the adhesion properties of the resin. Most here on the forum just use a good quality Exterior grade plywood.

Last but not least you should post pics so we can see what you see when you're working on her.

 

[StevenT]

Re: New to the forum just got started on a major resto

Most guys here swear by Arauco plywood. It's good quality, no voids and waterproof glue. Home Depot has it.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: New to the forum just got started on a major resto

Depending on your location you may or may not have Arauco Plywood available.

 

[rykersdad1]

Re: New to the forum just got started on a major resto

thanks for all the responses. i was just reading the decking and foaming how to and have a terminology question. What is peanut butter? i have some fiberglass experience from the automotive side and having done some minimal boat repair in the past but not sure what is being refered to by peanut butter. creamy or crunchy?

 

[StevenT]

Re: New to the forum just got started on a major resto

thanks for all the responses. i was just reading the decking and foaming how to and have a terminology question. What is peanut butter? i have some fiberglass experience from the automotive side and having done some minimal boat repair in the past but not sure what is being refered to by peanut butter. creamy or crunchy?

How to make Peanut butter (thickened resin) - YouTube

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: New to the forum just got started on a major resto

The Stringer OMC drive is one of the most least desirable power plants there is. They present a lot of challenges that most people shy away from. If you do some research here on the forum and elsewhere, I think you'll see what I mean. If she's a Good runner and all the compression etc... checks out, then you Might want to proceed. Still, finding parts in the future may become an issue. Just so you know. The first link in my signature will have some helpful info.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: New to the forum just got started on a major resto

I too would be a little leery of sinking a bunch of resto money into a Stringer powered boat.

 

[64osby]

Re: New to the forum just got started on a major resto

+3 on the above comments.

I would look what is invested in the boat. Did you just buy it? How long have you owned it? Does it fit your boating needs?

You mention the floor and foam, have you checked the transom, the stingers?

Are you ready to invest $1,000 -3,000 in the boat, maybe more, and hundreds of hours. Then you start on the motor and drive. When you're done it's value will be less then what you put in to it.

So ask yourself is this the boat or are you better off finding a new(er) boat. Maybe needs the same work, maybe less or even none.

Sell your boat for $X or part it out for $Y add $3,000. Look for boats that would fit your needs that cost $3,000 + X or Y.

Playing devils advocate. Good luck if you decide to restore it.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: New to the forum just got started on a major resto

For me, Boat Resto's is all about the Power Train. Whether it be I/O or Outboard, without a dependable Motor I don't think it's worth the effort. If the compression is good and all the parts are there or can still be found then restore it. Even if you spend 6-8 K, if you like the boat it's worth it cuz when you're done, it will be BETTER than new and you sure as heck can't buy a new one for that money. In this case, the OMC Stringer Drive is the Killer for me. No way would I restore that. Just to many bug-a-boo's. Hard to convert to a different drive too! If it were me I'd be looking elsewhere.

 

[rykersdad1]

Re: New to the forum just got started on a major resto

I know about the stringer drive and its many disadvantages. I have owned this boat for 3 years now and the motor is in excellent shape. i am in the lkn area and this boat has belonged to my father in law since 1990. The main reason for the resto as opposed to buying a new boat is because it was her childhood boat and she really does not want to part with it.

Mechanic work doesn't scare me but i do agree that 90% of a boat is the running gear. this motor runs like brand new, i was honestly surprised with it. the only things i am have to do with it is change the ball gears and while i have it apart i am going to put a new impeller in it. other than that it runs out great just needs a face lift. i will be posting pics tomorrow. the hour meter only shows 360 hrs and it does work so i can only assume that it is correct.

I did find some plywood comparable to the arouco at lowes. it was called blond wood. it seems very similar very high quality and can be used in outdoor applications. i bought one sheet of 1/2" to do some the pieces that go in the back around the jump seats and dog house. the transom and stringers seem solid i have to get some more floor up to really see what i have in the stringers. i got to work with what i got and hopefully i can get by with just new floors and all that follows. i really do not feel like tackling a stringer job and honestly probably will not.

Thanks for all the input and advice.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: New to the forum just got started on a major resto

Sounds like your going into it with eyes open. We're happy to help with whatever you decide. Good luck and here's hoping you find solid structure.

 

[rykersdad1]

Re: New to the forum just got started on a major resto

here is a few pics of te ole stringer driver powered project

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: New to the forum just got started on a major resto

Have you core sampled the transom yet?

 

[rykersdad1]

Re: New to the forum just got started on a major resto

not yet

 

[rykersdad1]

Re: New to the forum just got started on a major resto

hopefully i can get out and do some knocking around on the transom and get some floor up tonight so i can see exactly what i am up against. I am not favorable of pulling the motor to replace stringers and transom. this boat has been kept covered, and for the past 3 years under a car port. from what i can tell the rot is mostly the furniture that was never glassed and one piece of flooring near the gas tank that was never glassed. everything else seems fairly solid.

 

[rykersdad1]

Re: New to the forum just got started on a major resto

Well I got some floor up. Of douse the foam is soaked and the wood is beyond rotten. I have decide to go ahead with a full rebuild and will be pulling the motor soon. Still not certain of the condition of the transom but I assure judging by the looks of the stringers near the back that it will be getting replaced as well. How long does PT plywood need to dry before I can make use of it? I have a sheet I have had for about 4 months. My father in law nought it Before learning that its not the best. Hopefully making a hearty order from us composites next week. I still have hopes of a memorial completion but I am gonna have to stay after it tho. Pics comming this evening

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: New to the forum just got started on a major resto

Depends on the environment. It its been inside and dry then it's prolly good to go by now. You'll need more than one sheet,and I would use regular ext grade for the rest

 

[rykersdad1]

Re: New to the forum just got started on a major resto

thanks it has been in the dry and it will be a few more weeks till i get to using it. I plan on using the recommended stuff for the rest of the project. i am probably gonna use the PT for the transom i just hate to not use it.

here some pics of the floor removal in the back near the engine


the foam was so water logged that had i thrown a piece in the water that it would have sunk